Youth Ministry Gathering

Youth Ministry Gathering

Fifty current and potential youth ministers gathered over 26-27 January at Kilcoy Castle near Inverness and St Mary’s Cathedral in Aberdeen, to consider and discuss the important work of youth ministry in Scotland. Hosted by the Ogilvie Centre for the New Evangelisation and Catechesis of the Diocese of Aberdeen and led by Erin Doughty, (a youth minister from the Archdiocese of Birmingham, England), participants considered the importance of building a balanced and relational youth ministry program.

They discussed how to address tough doctrinal and moral topics with inquiring teens, learning elements of organising successful youth group meetings and youth Masses, and were made aware of various programs and models of youth ministry available today. Coming together from all parts of Scotland, participants also gained from each other a sense of community and support in their work.

Sr. Anna Christi, OP who organised the events remarked, “So many of the youth ministers expressed their appreciation for being able to come together and see that they are not alone in their desire to help young people feel they belong in the Church. It was exciting to see pastoral areas and deaneries discussing this work amongst one another and begin to plan for future work. There is a bright hope for the future of youth work here in Scotland.”